A group of masked intruders wanted over a string of early-morning break-ins across the Riverina remain on the run after allegedly leading police on a pursuit in a stolen car, before dumping the vehicle in another town and fleeing.

The alleged crime spree unfolded in Leeton during the early hours of Monday 14 September.

Police say they were called to multiple properties across at least five streets between 1.30am and 3.20am, after a group of young people wearing dark clothing and face coverings were seen entering properties.

At least one member of the group is believed to have been armed.

A motorbike allegedly stolen from an address on Carrington Drive was later found dumped a short distance away.

The night’s events escalated about 3.50am when investigating officers attempted to stop an SUV on Malee Street.

A NSW Police spokesperson said officers initiated a pursuit after the driver allegedly refused to stop.

“The pursuit continued through the Leeton township until police lost sight of the vehicle on Maiden Avenue,” the spokesperson said.

The SUV was found abandoned almost 60 kilometres away in Griffith about 5am.

It was seized for forensic examination.

Further inquiries revealed the SUV had allegedly been stolen several days earlier from McKay Avenue at Yoogali, sometime between 8pm on Thursday 10 September and 9am on Friday 11 September.

Police have launched an investigation into the incidents and are appealing for information that could help identify those involved.

The group is described as being aged in their late teens or early 20s and wearing dark clothing and face coverings.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or has CCTV or dashcam footage from the affected areas is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man charged following investigation into alleged home invasion

A man has been charged following an investigation into an alleged home invasion in the state’s Riverina region, under Strike Force Arctis.

Officers attached to Riverina Police District established Strike Force Arctis in September to investigate a number of aggravated break and enters, home invasions and firearm-related incidents.

About 11.30pm on Saturday 5 September, officers from Riverina Police District were called to a residence on Chifley Crescent, Kooringal, following reports of a home invasion.

Officers were told three unknown people, all wearing black with their faces covered and one allegedly armed with a firearm, allegedly forced entry into the home and threatened a 23-year-old man.

The three unknown people allegedly stole three bags containing household items and left before police arrived.

The 23-year-old man was uninjured.

A crime scene was established and police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

On Tuesday 8 September, officers were called to an address nearby after a large knife was located.

The knife was seized by police and has been forensically examined.

Following inquiries, about 2.30pm on Monday 14 September, officers from Murray River Police District attended an address on Crisp Street, Albury, and arrested a 19-year-old man.

He was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 on Tuesday 15 September, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Albury Local Court on Tuesday 10 November.

Investigations under Strike Force Arctis are ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.

Driver charged after man towed behind quad bike dies at Riverina footy club

A 20-year-old man has been charged after a man in his 20s died when he struck a goalpost while being towed by a quad bike in the NSW Riverina.

Emergency services were called to a recreation reserve on Osborne Yerong Creek Rd at Osborne, about 70km west of Wagga Wagga, about 2.30pm on Sunday.

NSW Police said officers were told the man suffered serious injuries after being towed by a quad bike and striking a goalpost.

Bystanders rendered first aid before emergency services arrived, but the man died at the scene.

The incident occurred during an end-of-season gathering for Osborne Football-Netball Club following the Hume League grand finals, The Weekly Times reported.

Both men involved in the incident were members of the football club.

The 20-year-old quad bike driver was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death and negligent driving occasioning death.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Wagga Wagga Local Court on Wednesday.

Lockhart Shire Council has arranged counselling following the death and urged affected community members to seek support through the local hospital or their general practitioner. The council said its thoughts were with everyone affected.